Double donor functionalisation of the peri-positions of perylene and naphthalene monoimide via versatile building blocks

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides the compounds of formulae (3) and (1) wherein n is 0 or 1, R 13  and R 14  are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR 310 , NR 311 R 312 , OR 313 , SR 314  and R 315 , or R 13  and R 14  together are selected from the group consisting of (a), (b) and (c), and X is CI, Br of I, and a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (3) comprising the compounds of formula (1) as key intermediates.

The present invention relates to naphthalene and perylene derivatives.

Many naphthalene and perylene derivates are important colorants. Beside this traditional application, naphthalene and, in particular, perylene derivatives gain more and more interest in other applications such as in organic field-effect transistors, organic light emitting devices, photovoltaic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), and xerography.

The design and preparation of naphthalene and perylene derivatives, which are tuned to be suitable for a particular application, are an active area of research.

Not many processes are known for the preparation of perylene derivatives, which have electron-pulling groups such as an imide-group or anhydride group in the 3,4-positions and electron pushing groups such as aryl groups in 9,10 positions.

For example, Keerthi, A.; Liu, Y.; Wang, Q.; Valiyaveettil, S. Chem. Eur. J. 2012, 00 describes a process for the preparation of perylene derivatives, which have an imide or anhydride group in the 3,4-positions and substituted aryl groups in the 9,10 positions. The process is disadvantageous in that it involves a bromination step which yields a mixture of three brominated perylene derivatives, and thus the process also requires a separation step in order to obtain pure perylene derivatives. In addition, the bromination in the 9 and 10 positions is also accompanied by bromination in the 1 position, respectively, the 1 and 6 positions. Thus, the process does not offer a selective bromination in the 9 and 10 positions.

DE 1 154 799 describes the following process for the preparation of naphthalene derivatives, which have an anhydride group in the 1,8-position and Br or Cl in the 4,5-positions.

The further substitution of the Br or Cl in 4,5-positions with electron-pushing groups is not described.

It was the object of the present invention to provide naphthalene and perylene derivatives, which are substituted in all four peri positions. It was a further object of the present invention to provide naphthalene derivatives, which have electron-pulling groups in the 1,8-positions and electron pushing groups in the 4,5 positions, and perylene derivatives which have electron-pulling groups in the 3,4-positions and electron pushing groups in the 9,10 positions.

This object is solved by the process of claim 1, the compounds of claim 11 and the compounds of claim 16.

The process of the present invention for the preparation of compounds of formula

wherein

n is 0 or 1,

R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹², oR³¹³, SR³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵,

-   -   wherein     -   R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹², R³¹³, R³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl,         C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or         heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷, wherein             R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶ and R³⁰¹⁷             are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl,             or

R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are selected from the group consisting of

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ and L² are C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or         C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene,     -   R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl,         C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷, wherein             R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶ and R³⁰³⁷             are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl,     -   L³ is a direct bond, C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or         C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene,

R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R³⁰⁰, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², OC(O)R³⁰³, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ and NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl,         C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S—R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and             halogen,             -   wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶                 and R³⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are

and

R²³ and R²⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl,         C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen,             -   wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or                 N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),                 -   wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same                     or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,                     or

R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen,

-   -   wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷),         -   wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or             different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             comprises the step of treating a compound of formula

wherein

n is 0 or 1,

R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same or different and are COOH or COOR²⁹,

-   -   wherein R²⁹ is C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl,         C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR²⁰¹⁰R²⁰¹¹, O—R²⁰¹² and S—R²⁰¹³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰¹⁴R²⁰¹⁵, O—R²⁰¹⁶ and S—R²⁰¹⁷,             -   wherein R²⁰¹⁰, R²⁰¹¹, R²⁰¹² and R²⁰¹³, R²⁰¹⁴, R²⁰¹⁵,                 R²⁰¹⁶ and R²⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are                 C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl,                 or

R⁹ and R¹⁰ together are

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁰⁴ and NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl,         C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and             halogen,             -   wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R²⁰⁰⁶                 and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

and

R¹¹ and R¹² together are

-   -   wherein R³⁰ is C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl,         C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NO₂, CN and halogen,             with

-   a) M³OH, wherein M³ is an alkali metal, N(R⁴⁰⁰R⁴⁰¹R⁴⁰²R⁴⁰³),     P(R⁴⁰⁰R⁴⁰¹R⁴⁰²R⁴⁰³) or guanidinium,     -   wherein R⁴⁰⁰, R⁴⁰¹, R⁴⁰² and R⁴⁰³ are the same or different and         are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl and         C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with phenyl, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,

-   b) an acid

-   and

-   c) an X-donor, wherein X is CI, Br or I,     in order to obtain a compound of formula

wherein

X is Cl, Br or I,

n is 0 or 1,

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁶⁴ and NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl,         C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁶, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and             halogen,             -   wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁶, R²⁰⁰⁶                 and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

and

R¹¹ and R¹² together are

-   -   wherein R³⁰ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl,         C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NO₂, CN and halogen.

C₁₋₁₀-alkyl and C₁₋₂₀-alkyl can be branched or unbranched. Examples of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl are methyl, ethyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethylbutyl, nonyl and decyl. Examples of C₁₋₂₀-alkyl are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl can be branched or unbranched. Examples of C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl are vinyl, propenyl, cis-2-butenyl, trans-2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, cis-2-pentenyl, trans-2-pentenyl, cis-3-pentenyl, trans-3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl and docenyl, linoleyl (C₁₈), linolenyl (C₁₈), oleyl (C₁₈) and arachidonyl (C₂₀).

C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl can be branched or unbranched. Examples of C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl are ethynyl, 2-propynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl, decynyl, undecynyl, dodecynyl, undecynyl, dodecynyl, tridecynyl, tetradecynyl, pentadecynyl, hexadecynyl, heptadecynyl, octadecynyl, nonadecynyl and icosynyl (020).

Examples of C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

Examples of C₆₋₁₄-aryl are phenyl and naphthyl.

Examples of heteroaryl are monocyclic 5 membered heteroaryl containing one heteroatom such as pyrrolyl, furyl and thiophenyl, monocyclic 5 membered heteroaryl containing two heteroatoms such as imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, monocyclic 5 membered heteroaryl containing three heteroatoms such as 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl and oxadiazolyl, monocyclic 5 membered heteroaryl containing four heteroatoms such as tetrazolyl, monocyclic 6 membered heteroaryl containing one heteroatom such as pyridyl, monocyclic 6 membered heteroaryl containing two heteroatoms such as pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl, monocyclic 6 membered heteroaryl containing three heteroatoms such as 1,2,3-triazinyl, 1,2,4-triazinyl and 1,3,5-triazinyl, monocyclic 7 membered heteroaryl containing one heteroatom such as azepinyl, and monocyclic 7 membered heteroaryl containing two heteroatoms such as 1,2-diazepinyl. Preferably, heteroary is a 5 to 7 membered heteroaryl.

Examples of halogen are F, Cl, Br and I.

Examples of C₁₋₆-alkylene are methylene, ethylene, propylene and butylene.

Examples of C₆₋₁₄-arylene are phenylene and naphthalene.

Examples of alkali metals are Na, K and Li.

Examples of N(R⁴⁰⁰R⁴⁰¹R⁴⁰²R⁴⁰³) are tetra(n-butyl)ammonium and decyl-methyl-dioctylammonium.

Examples of hexa(C₁₋₁₀-alkyl)-guanidinium are hexamethylguanidinium and hexaethylguanidinium.

Examples of acids are Brönsted-acids such as HCl, H₂SO₄ and acetic acid.

Examples of X-donors are X—X, X-succinimide and N,N′-di-X-isocyanuric acid.

Preferably, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹² and R³¹⁵,

-   -   wherein     -   R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹² and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl,         C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷,             -   wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶                 and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or         C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene,     -   R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl,         C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷,             -   wherein R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶                 and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl.

More preferably, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹² and R³¹⁵,

-   -   wherein     -   R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹² and R³¹⁵ are C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷,             -   wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶                 and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or         C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl         or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹,             O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁸³⁷,             -   wherein R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶                 and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl.

Most preferably, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰ and R³¹⁵,

-   -   wherein     -   R³¹⁰ and R³¹⁵ are C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵,             -   wherein R³⁰¹⁴ and R³⁰¹⁵ are phenyl,                 or

R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene or C₆₋₁₄-arylene,     -   R²⁵ is H or C₆₋₁₄-aryl.

Preferably, R²³ and R²⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of phenyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹,             PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹,             SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen,             -   wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or                 N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),                 -   wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same                     or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,     -   or     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with         one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of         COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen,         -   wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷),             -   wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or                 different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl.

More preferably, R²³ and R²⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of phenyl and COOM¹, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹,             -   wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or                 N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),                 -   wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same                     or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,     -   or     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with         one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of         COOM² and CN,         -   wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷),             -   wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or                 different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl.

Most preferably, R²³ and R²⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with COOM¹,             -   wherein M¹ is H,     -   or     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five membered ring which may be substituted with one or         more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM²         and CN,         -   wherein M² is H.

Preferably, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, Br, I and CN. More preferably, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are the same or different and are H or Cl.

Preferably, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, Br, I and CN. More preferably, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are H or Cl.

Preferably, n is 1,

Preferably, if n=1, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R³⁰⁰, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², OC(O)R³⁰³, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ and NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or         C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S—R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen,             -   wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶                 and R³⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are

More preferably, if n=1, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, Br, I and CN.

Most preferably, if n=1, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are H or Cl.

Preferably, if n is 1, R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁰⁴ and NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or         C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with R²⁰⁰¹, one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,             NR²¹³⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen,             -   wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R²⁰⁰⁶                 and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

More preferably, if n is 1, R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, Br, I and CN.

Most preferably, if n is 1, R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are H or Cl.

Preferably, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same and are COOH or R⁹ and R¹⁰ together are

More preferably, R⁹ and R¹⁰ together are

Preferably, R¹¹ and R¹² together are

-   -   wherein R³⁰ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NO₂, CN and             halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NO₂, CN             and halogen.

More preferably, R¹¹ and R¹² together are

-   -   wherein R³⁰ is C₁₋₂₀-alkyl.

Most preferably, R¹¹ and R¹² together are

Preferably, X is Cl or Br, more preferably Br.

Preferably, the X-donor is X—X. More preferably, the X-donor is X—X, wherein X is Cl or Br. Most preferably, the X-donor is X—X, wherein X is Br.

Preferably, M³ is an alkali metal, more preferably Na.

Preferably, the acid is a Brönsted-acid, more preferably it is acetic acid.

The compounds of formula (2) are commercially available or can be prepared by methods known in the art.

Preferably, the compound of formula (2) is first treated with M³OH, followed by treatment with the acid and with the X-donor. However, it is possible to add the acid before the addition of the X-donor, simultaneously with the X-donor and/or after the addition of the X-donor. Usually the process is performed without the isolation of any intermediate products in a so-called “one pot reaction”.

Preferably, the treatment with M³OH, the treatment with the acid and the treatment with the X-donor are performed in an aqueous solvent such as water or mixtures of water with a suitable organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or dioxane. More preferably, the treatment with M³OH, the treatment with the acid and the treatment with the X-donor are performed in water as solvent.

Preferably, the treatment with M³OH is performed at a temperature from 20 to 160° C., more preferably from 40 to 140° C., most preferably from 60 to 120° C.

Preferably, the molar ratio of M³OH/compound of general formula (2) is 4/1 to 20/1, more preferably 4/1 to 10/1, most preferably 4/1 to 7/1.

If the acid is a one proton-donating Brönsted acid, preferably acetic acid, the preferred molar ratio of the acid/compound of general formula (2) is 4/1 to 10/1, more preferably 4/1 to 7/1.

Preferably, the treatment with the acid is performed at a temperature from 20 to 160° C., more preferably from 40 to 140° C., most preferably from 60 to 120° C.

Preferably, the molar ratio of the X-donor/compound of general formula (2) is 2/1 to 3/1, more preferably 2/1 to 2.8/1, most preferably 2.1/1 to 2.6/1.

Preferably, the treatment with the X-donor is performed at a temperature from 20 to 160° C., more preferably from 40 to 140° C., most preferably from 60 to 120° C.

The compound of formula (1) can be isolated by methods known in the art, for example by filtration.

The compounds of formula (3) can be directly obtained from the compounds of formula (1) or via intermediate compounds in multiple steps by methods known in the art.

For example, the compounds of formulae

can be prepared from the compound of formula

as follows:

The compound of formula (1a) can be reacted with aniline in order to obtain a compound of formula (3a), the compound of formula (3a) can be reacted with paraformaldehyde in order to obtain a compound of formula (3b), the compound of formula (3b) can be treated with potassium with potassium hydroxide in 1,2-ethanediol to obtain a compound of formula (3c), the compound of formula (3c) can be treated with potassium hydroxide in tert-butanol and 1,4-dioxane in order to obtain a compound of formula (3d), the compound of formula (3d) can be treated with glycine in the presence of imidazole in order to obtain a compound of formula (3e).

For example, the compound of formula

can be prepared from the compound of formula

by treating the compound of formula (1 b) with 1,2-dioaminobenzene in order to obtain the compound of formula (3f).

For example the compounds of formulae

can be prepared from a compound of formula

by the following process:

The compound of formula (1c) can be treated with 4-(diphenylamino)phenylboronic acid in the presence of Pd[P(Ph)₃]₄ in order to obtain the compound of formula (3g), the compound of formula (3g) can be reacted with 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile in order to obtain the compound of formula (3h), the compound of formula (3h) can be treated with sodium hydroxide in order to obtain the compound of formula (3i).

Also part of the invention are compounds of formula

wherein

X is Cl, Br or I,

n is 0 or 1,

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁶⁴ and NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl,         C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with R²⁰⁰¹, one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and             halogen,             -   wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R²⁰⁰⁶                 and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

and

R¹¹ and R¹² together are

-   -   wherein R³⁰ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl,         C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₆₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NO₂, CN and halogen,             with the proviso             that if n is 0, R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are H, and X is Cl or Br,             then R¹¹ and R¹² together are not

that if n is 0, R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are Br, and X is Br, then R¹¹ and R¹² together are not

and that if n is 1, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁷ and R⁸ are H, one of R⁵ and R⁶ is Br, and the other of R⁵ and R⁶ is H or Br, and X is Br, then R¹¹ and R¹² together are not

-   -   wherein R³⁰ is 2-ethylhexyl.

The preferences of n, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹² and X given above for the process for the preparation of compounds of formula (3), also apply to the compounds of formula (1).

In particular preferred is the compound of formula

The compounds of formula (1) are versatile building blocks.

Also part of the invention are compounds of formula

wherein

n is 0 or 1,

R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹², oR³¹³, SR³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵,

-   -   wherein         -   R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹², R³¹³, R³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl,             C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or             heteroaryl,             -   wherein             -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and                 C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more                 substituents selected from the group consisting of                 phenyl, NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and             -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or                 more substituents selected from the group consisting of                 C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁹¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷,                 -   wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁹¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵,                     R³⁰¹⁶ and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are                     C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl,                     or

R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are selected from the group consisting of

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ and L² are C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or         C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene,     -   R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl or         C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷,             -   wherein R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶                 and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,     -   L³ is a direct bond, C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or         C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene,         and

R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R³⁰⁰, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², OC(O)R³⁰³, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ and NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶,

-   -   wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are         C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl,         C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S_(—) R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or             more substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and             halogen,             -   wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶                 and R³⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl                 or phenyl,                 or

R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are

and

R²³ and R²⁴ together are

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl,         C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and             C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl,             COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more             substituents selected from the group consisting of             C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen,             -   wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or                 N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),                 -   wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same                     or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,                     or

R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with         one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of         COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen,         -   wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷),             -   wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or                 different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,     -   with the proviso     -   that if n is 0, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are phenyl, and R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and         R¹⁸ are H, then R²³ and R²⁴ together are not

that if n is 1, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are phenyl substituted with N(phenyl)₂, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R²¹ and R²² are H, one of R¹⁹ and R²⁰ is phenyl substituted with N(phenyl)₂, and the other of R¹⁹ and R²⁰ is H or phenyl substituted with N(phenyl)₂, R²³ and R²⁴ together are not

wherein R²⁶ is 2-ethylhexyl, and that if n is 1, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are methyl, and R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are H, then R²³ and R²⁴ together are not

wherein R²⁶ is n-hexyl.

The preferences of n, R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴ given above for the process for the preparation of compounds of formula (3), also apply to the compounds of formula (3) with the exception that for compounds of formula (3), wherein n=0,

R²³ and R²⁴ together are preferably

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of phenyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹,             PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹,             SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen,             -   wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³)                 -   wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same                     or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,     -   or     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with         one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of         COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen,         -   wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷)             -   wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or                 different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,     -   more preferably

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of phenyl and COOM¹, and         -   C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹,             -   wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or                 N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),                 -   wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same                     or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl,     -   or     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with         one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of         COOM² and CN,         -   wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷)             -   wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or                 different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl;                 most preferably

-   -   wherein     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl,         -   wherein         -   C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with COOM¹,             -   wherein M¹ is H,     -   or     -   R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

-   -   form a five membered ring which may be substituted with one or         more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM²         and CN,         -   wherein M² is H.

Preferred are the compounds of formulae

The compounds of formula (3) can be used in various applications, for example as colorants or in electronic devices such in organic field-effect transistors, organic light emitting devices and in photovoltaic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs).

The compounds of formulae 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3i show a broad absorption in the wavelength range from about 400 to 750 nm. The compounds of formulae 3e and 3i carrying a COOH anchor group and the compounds of formulae 3d and 3g carrying an anhydride anchor group are particular suitable as dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs).

Also part of the invention is the use of the compounds of formula (3) in electronic devices.

The process of the present invention is advantageous as it allows the convenient preparation of compounds of formula (3).

The key intermediates of the process of the present invention for the preparation of the compounds of formula (3) are the compounds of formula (1) carrying two X-groups, wherein X is CI, Br or I, in the 9 and 10-positions (if n is 1), or in the 4 and 5 positions (if n is 0). The compounds of formula (1) are versatile building blocks, which allow the easy and introduction of various substituents in the 9 and 10-positions (if n is 1), or in the 4 and 5 positions (if n is 0) by methods known in the art. In case, the compounds of formula (1) also carry suitable substituents such as CI in the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and/or R⁸ positions, these substituents can also be easily replaced with other substituents.

The compounds of formula (1) can be prepared in a very convenient and economic manner from the compounds of formula (2). The compounds of formula (2), especially the compounds of formula (2), wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰, respectively R¹¹ and R¹² together are

are readily available and of low cost. The compounds of formula (1) are usually obtained in high yields (for example higher than 80%). The X-groups are selectively introduced in 9 and 10 positions (if n is 1) and the 4 and 5 positions (if n is 0). Steps a), b) and c) can be performed at moderate temperatures, for example at temperatures below 120° C. In addition, steps a), b) and c) can be performed in an aqueous solvent such as water, and in a so-called “one pot reaction”.

FIG. 1 shows the absorbance of the compounds of formulae 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e in dichloromethane against the wavelength in the range of 350 to 800 nm.

FIG. 2 shows the absorbance of the device of example 14 comprising the compound of formula 3e, before the fabrication of the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ssDSC) was completed by evaporation of 200 nm of silver as the counter electrode, against the wavelength.

FIG. 3 shows the current density I against the voltage of the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (sDSC) of example 14 comprising the compound of formula 3e.

FIG. 4 shows the external quantum efficieny EQE against the wavelength of the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ssDSC) of example 14 comprising the compound of formula 3e.

FIG. 5 shows the absorbance of the device of example 15 comprising the compound of formula 3i, before the fabrication of the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ssDSC) was completed by evaporation of 200 nm of silver as the counter electrode, against the wavelength.

FIG. 6 shows the current density I against the voltage of the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ssDSC) of example 15 comprising the compound of formula 3i.

FIG. 7 shows the external quantum efficieny EQE against the wavelength [nm] of the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ssDSC) of example 15 comprising the compound of formula 3i.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of Compound 1a

30 ml 1M NaOH was added to a suspension of compound 2a (2.65 g, 5.00 mmol) in 100 ml water and the mixture was stirred to obtain a limpid solution. The mixture was heated (80° C.) and 30 mmol acetic acid was added. Bromine (11 mmol, 0.57 ml) was added in one portion and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 2 h. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried. The solid was suspended in 50 ml methanol and 50 ml acetic acid and stirred for 5 h at 100° C. The mixture was poured in methanol (200 ml) and precipitate was filtered, washed with methanol and dried. Yield 2.65 g (86%). FD mass spectrum (8 kV): m/z (%): calcd for 617.89. found: 616.8. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 8.20 (s, 2H); 8.63 (s, 2H). Elemental analysis calcd (%) for C₂₂H₄Br₂C₁₄N₃O₃: C, 42.76; H, 0.65. found: C, 42.76; H, 0.66.

Example 2 Preparation of Compound 3a

A suspension of compound 1a (0.64 g, 2.0 mmol) in 8 ml aniline was stirred at 180° C. under argon for 5 h. The mixture was poured into 10% hydrochloric acid and ice. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and water/methanol 1:1. Crude compound 3a was purified by column chromatography using dichloromethane as eluent on silica. Yield 1.01 g (70%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 7.17-7.22 (m, 6H); 7.33-7.35 (m, 2H); 7.34 (s, 2H); 7.40-7.46 (m, 4H); 7.52-7.63 (m, 3H); 7.86 (s, 2H, NH) 8.56 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (75.0 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 113.86 (1C); 116.13 (2C); 116.85 (2C); 119.37 (2C); 121.15 (4C); 123.61 (1C); 124.53 (2C); 128.76 (1C); 129.37 (2C); 129.90 (4C); 130.64 (2C); 131.64 (2C); 131.83 (1C); 132.55 (2C); 135.04 (1C); 135.86 (1C); 137.75 (2C); 140.53 (2C); 145.27 (2C); 163.07 (2C, CO). FD mass spectrum (8 kV): m/z (%): calcd for 717.43. found: 715.7 (100) [M]⁺. Elemental analysis calcd (%) for C₄₀H₂₁CL₄N₃O₂: C, 66.97; H, 2.95; N, 5.86. found: C, 66.41; H, 3.08; N, 5.86. UV-Vis (CH₂Cl₂): λ_(max)=615 (33 163) nm (M⁻¹ cm⁻¹).

Example 3 Preparation of Compound 3b

0.10 ml trifluoroacetic acid was added to a solution of compound 3a (0.72 g, 1.00 mmol) and paraformaldehyde (0.120 g, 4.0 mmol) in 100 ml chloroform and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 1.5 h under argon. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the crude solid was purified by column chromatography using dichloromethane as eluent on silica. Yield 0.70 g (96%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 5.38 (s, 2H, CH₂); 6.91 (s, 2H); 7.33-7.45 (m, 8H); 7.53-7.62 (m, 7H); 8.56 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (75.0 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 67.21 (1C, CH₂); 109.65 ((1C)); 109.87 ((2C)); 114.44 ((2C)); 118.65 ((2C)); 124.09 ((1C)); 124.75 ((4C)); 127.33 ((2C)); 128.68 ((2C)); 129.34 ((2C)); 129.52 ((2C)); 130.32 ((4C)); 131.77 ((2C)); 131.87 ((1C)); 132.55 ((1C)); 133.98 ((1C)); 135.20 ((1C)); 138.45 ((2C)); 142.02 ((2C)); 144.59 ((2C)); 163.15 ((2C), CO). FD mass spectrum (8 kV): m/z (%): calcd for 729.44. found: 729.5 (100) [M]⁺. Elemental analysis calcd (%) for C₄₁H₂₁O₄N₃O₂: C, 67.51; H, 2.90; N, 5.76. found: C, 67.44; H, 2.83; N, 5.79. UV-Vis (CH₂Cl₂): λ_(max)=635 (45 092) nm (M⁻¹ cm⁻¹).

Example 4 Preparation of Compound 3c

A mixture of potassium hydroxide (3.0 g) and compound 3b (0.68 g, 1.08 mmol) in 30 ml 1,2-ethanediol was stirred an heated at 165° C. for 4 h. The mixture was cooled and diluted with 50 ml 10% hydrochloric acid. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried. The crude solid was purified by column chromatography using dichloromethane/acetone as eluent on silica. Yield 0.40 g (63%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 5.37 (s, 2H, CH₂); 6.87 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.6 Hz); 7.25-7.39 (m, 8H); 7.45-7.55 (m, 7H); 7.83 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.5 Hz); 8.11 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.9 Hz); 8.29 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (75.0 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 67.06 (1C, CH₂); 108.56 (2C); 114.10 (1C); 116.55 (1C); 116.77 (2C); 119.34 (2C); 124.60 (4C); 125.75 (1C); 126.31 (2C); 126.92 (2C); 128.13 (1C); 128.70 (2C); 128.84 (2C); 129.06 (2C); 129.94 (4C); 130.90 (1C); 131.32 (2C); 136.00 (1C); 138.66 (2C); 143.04 (2C); 144.83 (2C); 163.99 (2C, CO). FD mass spectrum (8 kV): m/z (%): calcd for 591.66. found: 591.9 (100) [M]⁺. UV-Vis (CH₂Cl₂): λ_(max)=655 (45 398) nm (M⁻¹ cm⁻¹).

Example 5 Preparation of Compound 3d

Potassium hydroxide (1.0 g) was added to a solution of compound 3c (0.30 g, 0.51 mmol) in tert-buthanol (30 ml) and 1,4-dioxane (10 ml), and the reaction mixture was refluxed overnight under argon. The mixture was poured into 10% hydrochloric acid and ice. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and water/methanol 1:1. The crude product was dissolved in THF/AcOH (5:1) and reflux for 5 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and crude compound 3d was used without further purification Yield 0.25 g (95%). FD mass spectrum (8 kV): m/z (%): calcd for 516.54. found: 516.3 (100) [M]⁺.

Example 6 Preparation of Compound 3e

A mixture of compound 3d (0.25 g, 0.48 mmol), glycine (0.20 g) and imidazole (2.0 g) was stirred at 140° C. under argon atmosphere for 4 h. The mixture was poured into 10% hydrochloric acid and ice. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and water/methanol 1:1. Crude compound 3e was dissolved in THF and precipitated in water/methanol 1:2. Yield 0.24 g (87%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆, 300K): 4.65 (s, 2H, CH₂COOH); 5.38 (s, 2H, NCH₂N); 6.78 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.6 Hz); 7.27-7.35 (m, 2H); 7.45-7.56 (m, 8H); 7.92 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.5 Hz); 8.04 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.3 Hz); 8.25 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=8.9 Hz); 12.93 (bs, 1H, COOH). ¹³C NMR (75.0 MHz, DMSO-d₆, 300K): 40.88 (1C, CH₂COOH); 66.81 (10, NCH₂N); 108.62 (2C); 113.78 (1C); 115.73 (2C); 116.85 (1C); 118.82 (2C); 124.24 (4C); 125.09 (1C); 125.95 (2C); 127.72 (2C); 128.27 (1C); 129.86 (4C); 129.94 (2C); 130.86 (2C); 138.19 (2C); 143.01 (2C); 144.58 (2C); 162.50 (2C, CO); 169.66 (1C, COOH). FD mass spectrum (8 kV): m/z (%): calcd for 573.60. found: 573.6 (100) [M]⁺. UV-Vis (CH₂Cl₂): λ_(max)=667 (25 505) nm (M⁻¹ cm⁻¹).

Example 7 Preparation of Compound 1b

Pentadecan-8-amine (4.0 mmol, 0.91 g) was added to a suspension of compound 1a (2.0 mmol, 1.24 g) in 20 ml NMP and 10 ml acetic acid. The reaction mixture was stirred at 110° C. for 15 h. After cooling down to room temperature the reaction mixture was poured in water. The precipitate was filtered, washed with methanol, dried and purified by column chromatography using hexane/dichloromethane as eluent on silica. (0.80 g, 48%). FD-Mass: calc.: 827.30. found: 829.3. ¹H-NMR (δ (ppm), CDCl₃): 0.84 (t, 6H, CH₃, ³J_(HH)=7.3 Hz); 1.78-1.92 (m, 2H, CH₂); 2.07-2.22 (m, 2H, CH₂); 4.89-4.99 (m, 1H, CHN); 8.08 (s, 2H, H-8 and 11); 8.49 (s, 2H, H-2 and 5).

Example 8 Preparation of Compound 3f

A mixture of compound 1 b (0.415 g, 0.5 mmol), and 1,2-diaminobenzene (0.22 g, 2.0 mmol) in 10 ml NMP was stirred at 180° C. under argon for 5 h. The mixture was poured into 10% hydrochloric acid and ice. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and methanol. Crude compound 3f was purified by column chromatography using dichloromethane as eluent on silica. Yield 0.17 g (43%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 0.84 (t, 6H, CH₃, ³J_(HH)=5.9 Hz); 1.14-1.36 (m, 20H, CH₂); 1.80-1.91 (m, 2H, CH₂); 2.15-2.27 (m, 2H, CH₂); 5.09-5.21 (m, 1H, CHN); 6.34 (s, 2H, NH); 6.88 (s, 1H); 6.90 (s, 1H); 6.97-7.07 (m, 4H); 8.50 (s, 1H) 8.53 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (75.0 MHz, C₂D₂Cl₄, 300K): 14.07 (2C CH₃); 22.53 (2C, CH₂); 26.86 (2C, CH₂); 29.09 (2C, CH₂); 29.43 (2C, CH₂); 31.71 (2C, CH₂); 32.21 (2C, CH₂); 54.63 (1C, CHN); 109.07; 116.12; 116.20; 119.83; 123.27; 123.99; 130.50; 130.69; 130.92; 132.18; 132.84; 135.86; 136.75; 143.73; 162.92 (1C, CO); 164.05 (1C, CO). FD-Mass: calc.: 773.62. found: 772.7. UV-Vis (OH2012): λ_(max)=588 (36 654) nm (M⁻¹ cm⁻¹).

Example 9 Preparation of Compound 1C

20 ml (20 mmol) 1M NaOH was added to a suspension of compound 2b (4.00 mmol) in 20 ml water and the mixture was stirred to obtain a limpid solution. The mixture was heated (90-95° C.) and 20 mmol acetic acid was added. Bromine (0.5 ml, 1.56 g, 10 mmol, 2.5 equiv) was added in one portion and the reaction mixture was stirred at 90-95° C. for 24 h. The precipitate was filtered, washed with acetone and dried. Yield 1.35 g (95%). Purity >85%.

Example 10 Preparation of Compound 3g

Pd[P(Ph)₃]₄ (3 mol %) was added to a mixture of compound 1c (2.00 mmol), 4-(diphenylamino)phenylboronic acid (3.5 mmol), 10 ml 1M K₂CO₃ (10.0 mmol) in 50 ml 1,4-dioxane under argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at 95° C. under argon atmosphere for 6 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The solid was dissolved in acetic acid and dichloromethane and reflux overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Crude compound 3g was purified by column chromatography using dichloromethane as eluent on silica. Yield 1.065 g (78%). FD-Mass: calc.: 684.78 found: 683.1. ¹H-NMR (δ (ppm), CD₂Cl₂): 6.75-6.78 (m, 4H); 6.82-6.85 (m, 4H); 6.96-7.02 (m, 4H); 7.05-7.08 (m, 8H); 7.15-7.20 (m, 8H); 7.78 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz); 8.56 (d, 2H, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz). ¹³C-NMR (δ (ppm), CD₂Cl₂): 117.63 (2C); 121.11 (4C); 124.28 (4C); 125.95 (8C); 128.71 (1C); 130.00 (8C); 131.12 (4C); 131.64 (2C); 133.12 (2C); 133.58 (1C); 134.79 (2C); 147.75 (4C); 147.91 (2C); 149.91 (2C); 161.67 (2C, CO).

Example 11 Preparation of Compound 3h

A mixture of compound 3g (0.60 g, 0.88 mmol), 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile (0.38 g, 3.5 mmol), CaO (20 eq) in 20 ml pyridine was stirred and reflux under argon atmosphere for 24 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Crude compound 3h was purified by column chromatography using hexane/dichloromethane as eluent on silica. Yield 0.130 g (24%). ¹H-NMR (δ (ppm), CDCl₃): 6.78-6.89 (m, 8H); 6.98-7.03 (m, 4H); 7.08-7.10 (m, 8H); 7.15-7.21 (m, 8H); 7.74 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.8 Hz); 7.79 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.8 Hz); 8.72 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.8 Hz); 8.81 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.8 Hz). ¹³C-NMR (δ (ppm), CDCl₃): 107.72; 108.24; 111.42; 116.43; 118.71; 120.51; 120.67; 124.00; 124.14; 125.60; 125.70; 126.93; 128.70; 128.76; 129.23; 129.64; 129.66; 130.89; 131.01; 131.56; 131.60; 134.05; 134.29; 147.09; 147.20; 147.49; 147.87; 148.54; 149.15; 152.38; 157.97.

Example 12 Preparation of Compound 3i

NaOH (1.0 g) in 3 ml of water was added to a solution of compound 3h (130 mg, 0.17 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (15 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled down to room temperature and poured into diluted HCl. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried. Crude compound 3i was purified by recrystallization of methanol. Yield 0.10 g (74%). ¹H-NMR (δ (ppm), DMSO-d₆): 6.75-6.78 (m, 4H); 6.99-7.13 (m, 16H); 7.27-7.33 (m, 8H); 7.89 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.9 Hz); 7.92 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.9 Hz); 8.12 (s, 1H, COOH); 8.74 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz); 8.80 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.8 Hz). ¹³C-NMR (δ (ppm), DMSO-d₆): 101.27; 110.75; 117.78; 120.06; 120.12; 120.24; 123.77; 123.89; 124.75; 124.87; 126.96; 127.78; 128.32; 129.61; 130.72; 130.85; 131.30; 132.48; 134.27; 134.58; 145.61; 146.23; 146.57; 146.65; 147.20; 147.36; 149.49; 158.69; 161.07.

Example 13

The absorbance of the compounds of formulae 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e in dichloromethane were measured in the wavelength range of 350 to 800 nm. The results are shown in FIG. 1.

Example 14 Preparation of Solid-State Dyesensitized Solar Cells (ssDSCs) Comprising the Compound of Formula (3e) as Dye

A TiO₂ blocking layer was prepared on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-covered glass substrate using spray pyrolysis (Peng, B.; Jungmann, G.; Jager, C.; Haarer, D.; Schmidt, H. W.; Thelakkat, M. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2004, 248, 1479). Then, a TiO₂ paste (Dyesol), diluted with terpineol, was applied by screen printing, resulting in a film thickness of 1.7 μm. All films were then sintered for 45 min at 450° C., followed by treatment in a 40 mM aqueous solution of TiCla at 60° C. for 30 min, followed by another sintering step. The so obtained FTO-covered glass substrates with TiO2 layers were pretreated with 5 mM solutions of the 2-(p-butoxyphenyl)acetohydroxamic acid sodium salt in ethanol (2-(p-butoxyphenyl)acetohydroxamic acid sodium salt is described on page 52 of WO 2012/001628 A1 as “Example No. 6”), followed by dyeing in a 0.5 mM solution of a compound of formula (3e) in CH₂Cl₂. Then, 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis-(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenyl amine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (Spiro-MeOTAD) was applied by spin-coating from a solution in CH₂Cl₂ (200 mg/mL) also containing 20 mM Li(CF₃SO₂)₂N. Fabrication of the ssDSCs was completed by evaporation of 200 nm of silver as the counter electrode. The active area of the ssDSCs was defined by the size of these contacts (0.13 cm²), and the ssDSC was masked by an aperture of the same area for measurements.

Example 15 Preparation of a Solid-State Dyesensitized Solar Cell (ssDSC) Comprising the Compound of Formula (3i) as Dye

A solid-state dyesensitized solar cell (ssDSC) comprising the compound of formula (3i) as dye was prepared in analogy to example 14.

Example 16

The absorbance of the devices of examples 14 and 15, both before the fabrication of the ssDSCs was completed by evaporation of 200 nm of silver as the counter electrode, against the wavelength were measured.

The plot of the absorbance of the device of examples 14, comprising the compound of formula 3e, before the fabrication of the ssDSCs was completed by evaporation of 200 nm of silver as the counter electrode, against the wavelength is shown in FIG. 2.

The plot of the absorbance of the device of examples 15 comprising the compound of formula 3i, before the fabrication of the ssDSC was completed by evaporation of 200 nm of silver as the counter electrode, against the wavelength is shown in FIG. 5.

Example 17

The current-voltage characteristics for the ssDSCs of examples 14 and 15 were measured with a Keithley 2400 under 1000 W/m², AM 1.5G conditions (LOT ORIEL 450 W).

The plots of the current density I against the voltage of the ssDSC of example 14 is shown in FIG. 3.

The plot of the current density I against the voltage of the ssDSC of example 15 is shown in FIG. 6.

The short circuit current Isc, the open circuit voltage Voc, the power conversion efficiency ETA, and the fill factor FF of the ssDCSs of examples 14 and 15 were determined.

The short circuit Isc is I at V=0.

The open circuit Voc is V at I=0.

The fill factor FF is (I_(mpp)×V_(mpp))/(I_(SC)×V_(OC)), wherein mpp is the maximum power point.

The power conversion efficiency ETA is the percentage of the solar energy to which the cell is exposed that is converted into electrical energy.

The results are shown in table 1.

TABLE 1 I_(SC) V_(OC) FF ETA Sun ssDCS compound [mA/cm²] [mV] [%] [%] [mW/cm²] Ex 14 3e −2.51 700 66 1.2 100.00 Ex. 15 3i −4.99 780 61 2.4 100.00

Example 18

The external quantum efficiency EQE was obtained with an Acton Research Monochromator using additional white background light illumination.

The external quantum efficiency EQE is the ratio of the number of charge carriers collected by the solar cell to the number of photons of a given energy shining on the solar cell from outside (incident photons).

The plots of the external quantum efficiency EQE against the wavelength of the ssDSC of example 14 is shown in FIG. 4.

The plot of the external quantum efficieny EQE against the wavelength [nm] of the ssDSC of example 15 is shown in FIG. 7. 

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula

wherein n is 0 or 1, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹², OR³¹³, SR³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵, wherein R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹², R³¹³, R³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷, wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶ and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are selected from the group consisting of

wherein L¹ and L² are C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl or C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷, wherein R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶ and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, L³ is a direct bond, C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R³⁰⁰, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², OC(O)R³⁰³, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ or NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶, wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S—R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are

and R²³ and R²⁴ together are

wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),  wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, or R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM₂, SO₃M², PO₃M², CN and halogen, wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷), wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, wherein the process comprises treating a compound of formula

wherein n has the meaning as depicted for formula (3), R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same or different and are COOH or COOR²⁹, wherein R²⁹ is C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR²⁰¹⁰R²⁰¹¹, O—R²⁰¹² and S—R²⁰¹³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR₂₀₁₄R²⁰¹⁵, O—R²⁰¹⁶ and S—R²⁰¹⁷, wherein R²⁰¹⁰, R²⁰¹¹, R²⁰¹² and R²⁰¹³, R²⁰¹⁴, R²⁰¹⁵, R²⁰¹⁶ and R²⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ together are

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁰⁴ or NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶, wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R²⁰⁰⁶ and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

and R¹¹ and R¹² together are

wherein R³⁰ is C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NO₂, CN and halogen, with a) M³OH, wherein M³ is an alkali metal, N(R⁴⁰⁰R⁴⁰¹R⁴⁰²R⁴⁰³), P (R⁴⁰⁰R⁴⁰¹R⁴⁰²R⁴⁰³) or guanidinium, wherein R⁴⁰⁰, R⁴⁰¹, R⁴⁰² and R⁴⁰³ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl and C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with phenyl, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, b) an acid and c) an X-donor, wherein X is Cl, Br or I, in order to obtain a compound of formula

wherein n has the meaning as depicted for formula (3), X has the meaning as depicted for the X-donor, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R¹¹ and R¹² have the meaning as depicted for formula (2).
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ together are


3. The process of claim 1, wherein R¹¹ and R¹² together are


4. The process of claim 1, wherein n is
 1. 5. The process of claim 4, wherein R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁰⁴ or NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶, wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R²⁰⁰⁶ and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

and R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R³⁰⁰, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², OC(O)R³⁰³, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ and NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶, wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S—R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are


6. The process of claim 5, wherein R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are H or Cl, and R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are H or Cl.
 7. The process of claim 1, wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹² and R³¹⁵, wherein R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹² and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷, wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶ and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are

wherein L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷, wherein R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶ and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl.
 8. The process of claim 1, wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰ and R³¹⁵, wherein R³¹⁰ and R³¹⁵ are C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, wherein R³⁰¹⁴ and R³⁰¹⁵ are phenyl, or R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are

wherein L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene or C₆₋₁₄-arylene, R²⁵ is H or C₆₋₁₄-aryl.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein R²³ and R²⁴ together are

wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³), wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, or R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷), wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl.
 10. The process of claim 1, wherein R²³ and R²⁴ together are

wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with COOM¹, wherein M¹ is H, or R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM² and CN, wherein M² is H.
 11. A compound of formula

wherein n is 0 or 1, X is Cl, Br or I, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁰⁴ and NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶, wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R²⁰⁰⁶ and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are

and R¹¹ and R¹² together are

wherein R³⁰ is C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NO₂, CN and halogen, with the proviso that if n is 0, R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are H, and X is Cl or Br, then R¹¹ and R¹² together are not

and that if n is 1, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁷ and R⁸ are H, one of R⁵ and R⁶ is Br, and the other of R⁵ and R⁶ is H or Br, and X is Br, then R¹¹ and R¹² together are not

wherein R³⁰ is 2-ethylhexyl.
 12. The compound of claim 11, wherein R¹¹ and R¹² together are


13. The compound of claim 11, wherein n is
 1. 14. The compound of claim 13, wherein R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R²⁰⁰, OR²⁰¹, SR²⁰², OC(O)R²⁰³, C(O)OR²⁰⁴ or NR²⁰⁵R²⁰⁶, wherein R²⁰⁰, R²⁰¹, R²⁰², R²⁰³, R²⁰⁴, R²⁰⁵ and R²⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR²⁰⁰⁰R²⁰⁰¹, O—R²⁰⁰², S—R²⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR²⁰⁰⁴R²⁰⁰⁵, O—R²⁰⁰⁶, S—R²⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R²⁰⁰⁰, R²⁰⁰¹, R²⁰⁰², R²⁰⁰³, R²⁰⁰⁴, R²⁰⁰⁵, R₂₀₀₆ and R²⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R³ and R⁵, respectively, R⁴ and R⁶ together are


15. The compound of claim 14, wherein R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are H, and R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are H or Cl.
 16. A compound of formula

wherein n is 0 or 1, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹², OR³¹³, SR³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵, wherein R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹², R³¹³, R³¹⁴ and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and S—R³⁰¹⁷, wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶ and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are selected from the group consisting of

wherein L¹ and L² are C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R²⁵ is H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷, wherein R³⁰³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶ and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, L³ is a direct bond, C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R³⁰⁰, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², OC(O)R³⁰³, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ and NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶, wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S—R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶ and R¹⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are

and R²³ and R²⁴ together are

wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are H, C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₄-aryl or heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³),  wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, or R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷), wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, with the proviso that if n is 1, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are phenyl substituted with N(phenyl)₂, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R²¹ and R²² are H, one of R¹⁹ and R²⁰ is phenyl substituted with N(phenyl)₂, and the other of R¹⁹ and R²⁰ is H or phenyl substituted with N(phenyl)₂, then R²³ and R²⁴ together are not

wherein R²⁶ is 2-ethylhexyl.
 17. The compound of claim 16, wherein n is
 1. 18. The compound of claim 17, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, R₃₀₀, OR³⁰¹, SR³⁰², C(O)OR³⁰⁴, C(O)OR³⁰⁴ and NR³⁰⁵R³⁰⁶, wherein R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹, R³⁰², R³⁰³, R³⁰⁴, R³⁰⁵ and R³⁰⁶ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰⁰⁰R³⁰⁰¹, O—R³⁰⁰², S—R³⁰⁰³, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰⁰⁴R³⁰⁰⁵, O—R³⁰⁰⁶, S—R³⁰⁰⁷, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein R³⁰⁰⁰, R³⁰⁰¹, R³⁰⁰², R³⁰⁰³, R³⁰⁰⁴, R³⁰⁰⁵, R³⁰⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁰⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹⁷ and R¹⁹, respectively, R¹⁸ and R²⁰ together are


19. The compound of claim 18, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R²¹ and R²² are H, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are the same or different and are H or Cl.
 20. The compound of claim 16, wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰, NR³¹¹R³¹² and R³¹⁵, wherein R³¹⁰, R³¹¹, R³¹² and R³¹⁵ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰¹⁰R³⁰¹¹, O—R³⁰¹² and S—R³⁰¹³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, O—R³⁰¹⁶ and s-R³⁰¹⁷, wherein R³⁰¹⁰, R³⁰¹¹, R³⁰¹², R³⁰¹³, R³⁰¹⁴, R³⁰¹⁵, R³⁰¹⁶ and R³⁰¹⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl, or R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are selected from the group consisting of

wherein L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene, C₆₋₁₄-arylene, or C₁₋₆-alkylene-C₆₋₁₄-arylene-C₁₋₆-alkylene, R²⁵ is H, C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl, C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl, or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₂₋₂₀-alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀-alkynyl and C₅₋₈-cycloalkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, NR³⁰³⁰R³⁰³¹, O—R³⁰³² and S—R³⁰³³, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, NR³⁰³⁴R³⁰³⁵, O—R³⁰³⁶ and S—R³⁰³⁷, wherein R³¹³³⁰, R³⁰³¹, R³⁰³², R³⁰³³, R³⁰³⁴, R³⁰³⁵, R³⁰³⁶ and R³⁰³⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl or phenyl.
 21. The compound of claim 16, wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of NHR³¹⁰ and R³¹⁵, wherein R³¹⁰ and R³¹⁵ are C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with NR³⁰¹⁴R³⁰¹⁵, wherein R³⁰¹⁴ and R³⁰¹⁵ are phenyl, or R¹³ and R¹⁴ together are

wherein L² is C₁₋₆-alkylene or C₆₋₁₄-arylene, R²⁵ is H or C₆₋₁₄-aryl.
 22. The compound of claim 16, wherein R²³ and R²⁴ together are

wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of phenyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, and C₆₋₁₄-aryl may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, COOM¹, SO₃M¹, PO₃M¹, NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M¹ is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁰R³⁰²¹R³⁰²²R³⁰²³), wherein R³⁰²⁰, R³⁰²¹, R³⁰²², and R³⁰²³ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl, or R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five or six membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM², SO₃M², PO₃M², NO₂, CN and halogen, wherein M² is H, alkali metal or N(R³⁰²⁴R³⁰²⁵R³⁰²⁶R³⁰²⁷), wherein R³⁰²⁴, R³⁰²⁵, R³⁰²⁶, and R³⁰²⁷ are the same or different and are C₁₋₁₀-alkyl.
 23. The compound of claim 16, wherein R²³ and R²⁴ together are

wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R²⁸ are C₁₋₂₀-alkyl or C₆₋₁₄-aryl, wherein C₁₋₂₀-alkyl may be substituted with COOM¹, wherein M¹ is H, or R²⁷ and R²⁸ together with the unit

form a five membered ring which may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of COOM² and CN, wherein M² is H.
 24. An electronic device comprising the compound of claim
 16. 